Ask Orbit · by Paolo Garcia · 2026-09-01
A tiny story about lentil soup, Manila and timing from the library
I had a disappointing first try, a surprisingly good second try, and then a third attempt that taught me humility. So, naturally, I now have opinions.
A few notes from my attempt:
- keep the first step visible
- remove one annoying decision
- celebrate the boring repeat
138 sparks · 27 comments
Comments
Aarav Sharma · 43 likes
My first thought was cost, then time, then whether I would remember to do it. The 9-minute rule is underrated.
Ananya Rao · 3 likes
I like this more than the top-level advice.
Ayesha Khan · 1 likes
I am curious what changed your mind.
Maya Putri · 12 likes
I am cheering for this update. This pairs weirdly well with falafel.
Ethan Brooks · 7 likes
Amazing how much difference one small change can make. This is where I would ask one more question before choosing. Glad you shared the messy version too.
Jasmine Cruz · 6 likes
This made me smile more than expected. This pairs weirdly well with banana bread.
Paper River · 6 likes
I would push back gently on the story part. This is more useful on a tired quiet Sunday than on a perfect day.
Paolo Garcia · 2 likes
Short answer: yes. Long answer: also yes.
Rapid Panda · 5 likes
Do you think this would work in a smaller place than Lagos?
Isha Menon · 5 likes
That is a surprisingly elegant way to frame it. This would have saved me a lot of trial and error.
Aisha Rahman · 4 likes
Excellent timing; I was just thinking about manila. Small progress still counts.
João Pereira · 2 likes
That sounds great until you add children/pets/deadlines.
Curious Lantern · 4 likes
I was going to disagree, but your second sentence got me.
Gentle Otter · 3 likes
Interesting. I would like to see how it changes after 8 months. I care less about the perfect answer and more about repeatability. Small progress still counts.
Solar Sparrow · 3 likes
Wonderful detail. It makes the whole thing feel real. I care less about the perfect answer and more about repeatability.
Maya Williams · 2 likes
Great point, especially the part about manila. That is the kind of detail beginners miss. The follow-through matters more than the perfect plan.
Yui Tanaka · 1 likes
Amazing how much difference one small change can make. That is the kind of detail beginners miss.
Cedar Baker · 1 likes
Agree completely. The simple version is underrated. For me it came down to the prototype.
Tanvir Rahman · 1 likes
Did anyone else read this and immediately make a tiny checklist? This is more useful on a tired quiet Sunday than on a perfect day.